December 2019

Thread tapping

You can now make threaded holes with Prism as easily as any other type of feature. Specify the thread standard (metric or US standard) and dimensions to use, and if the threads should be cut or formed. Prism will then take you through the steps to pre-drill the hole with a suitable diameter and to do the thread tapping. Built-in machining recipes provide the feeds and speeds.

Thread tapping shows up as an alternative when a round hole is selected.

Enter the thread specification and nominal diameter. The thread diameter and pitch are filled in automatically.

Thread taps are added to the tool library like the other cutting tools.

The simulation view showing the thread tap in action.

It is recommended to chamfer the hole before threading. You can do that with a regular drilling operation in Prism, selecting a drill with a diameter suitably larger than the hole diameter and setting the depth offset so that it only makes a shallow chamfer.

Estimated machining times

Many decisions in CNC programming boil down to what’s most efficient. For example, the choice of machining strategy, cutting tool, and cutting data. To make those decisions with confidence, you need to know how long the operations take. That is, to get estimates of the machining times.

Machining times can also be used to calculate the cost to make a part. This is highly valuable information to have at hand when preparing quotes!

This release of Prism includes a machine time estimation feature: machining times are displayed on the operation blocks and are summarized on the setup and part levels in the information dialog accessible from the programming view.

Machining times displayed on the operation block tabs.

Machining times summarized by setup and work order. This dialog can be launched from the “i” (info) button in the top right corner of the programming view.

The estimated machining times are computed based on the toolpaths and feeds. They take into account the difference between feed and rapid moves, but not the kinetics (acceleration) of the machine, and they do not include tool changes.

Support for Okuma CNC controllers

Prism now includes experimental postprocessors for Okuma OSP-P200 and P300 CNC controllers.